THE photograph of the Waratahs crossing the Shoalhaven River in 1915 is a stunning piece of local history.
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But it is also shrouded in mystery - the question being who took the photo?
It is a question even local historian and author of the centenary edition of the South Coast Waratahs Recruiting March 1915, Alan Clark can’t answer.
“We have tried to find out who took the photograph but unfortunately haven’t been able to find any record,” he said.
“It is just such a superb photograph, it really gives that local link and feel with the march.
“As hard as all of us have researched we can’t seem to find out who took it. Which is a real shame.”
He said it would be great to find out the photographer’s name but he has never heard anyone mention who the photographer may be.
“Samuel Cox was a photographer of the time but he mainly worked in Kiama,” Mr Clark said.
“He did venture to Nowra but he always put his name on his photos.
“But with this photo there is no suggestion it is one of his.
“I did a lot of additional research for this book but it again failed to shed any light on the photographer’s identity.
“It’s just fantastic that someone did take the original photo.”
As part of Sunday’s re-enactment march, an attempt was made to recreate the famous photo, complete with the photographer in place.
That role was played by well-known local photographer Peter Parkhill, complete with a beautiful camera from the period, owned by another local snapper Doug Norsworthy.
As for who was the photographer who captured the original photo back in 1915 we may never know. But undoubtedly research into their identity will continue.